SENRYU

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INTRODUCTION

Haikus are very popular and well-known, but they are not the only three-lined Japanese poetry form. While Haikus focus on nature, another three-liner called senryu focuses on humor and human foibles.

ONE, TWO, THREE - I WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH, YOU WILL SEE

When walking along the beaches or through the forest, one might hear a haiku springing from the trees. But at a party, humor is needed to put people at ease.  

A Senryu is a Japanese short poem similar to a haiku. It is named after Karai Senryū and grew in popularity among common people. As a haiku, it also consists of three stanzas, 17 ons and is structured in the 5-7-5 pattern. 

NOT A HAIKU, BUT A SENRYU

What distinguishes a senryu from a haiku is its theme. Senryu focuses more on human foibles and humor than on nature. Also, it does not include a kireiji or kigo word. (2) 

SENRYU'S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

As it was the norm for the haiku poem, so too the senryu began as an opening part (hokku) of a larger Japanese poem called renga and eventually evolved into a stand-alone poem. (2)

LET ME TRY! WILL I SUCCEED IN MAKING YOU SMILE?

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CONCLUSION

Senryu is a short Japanese poem, all about making you laugh. It also consists of three stanzas, 17 ons and is structured in the 5-7-5 pattern.

SOURCES

1. Image was created via canva.com

2. Wikipedia. Senryu. Available at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senry%C5%AB

3. Image was created via canva.com.